Abuja — Organised labour within the federal public service has given the Federal Government until Friday to release funds for the payment of three months’ outstanding wage award and other unpaid allowances owed to workers across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
The warning was issued by the leadership of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (Trade Union Side), which cautioned that failure to meet the February 27, 2026 deadline would force the eight civil service unions to take decisive action.
Labour leaders accused the government of deliberately withholding funds meant for workers, despite claims that relevant agencies are ready to process payments once the money is released.
The lingering dispute over the wage award dates back more than two years, following the Federal Government’s approval of a ₦70,000 minimum wage after the removal of fuel subsidy. Although partial payments were made after sustained pressure from unions, three months of the award have reportedly remained unpaid since July 2024, heightening tension within the federal workforce.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the unions expressed frustration that the wage award, introduced as a temporary relief measure pending full implementation of the new minimum wage, has not been fully settled.
According to the council, five months were initially left unpaid until pressure mounted, prompting the government to pay two months in instalments, leaving a balance of three months outstanding.
The council further alleged that agencies responsible for processing the payments are prepared to act but are being hindered by the Ministry of Finance’s failure to release the necessary funds.
Beyond the wage award, the unions also demanded immediate attention to other pending financial obligations, including promotion arrears for workers elevated more than three years ago, unpaid salaries for employees recruited between 2015 and 2024, and the correct implementation of a 40 percent peculiar allowance based on the ₦70,000 minimum wage.
Warning of possible industrial action, the unions stated that if the funds are not released by the stipulated deadline, the national leadership would take appropriate steps to protect workers’ interests.
Copies of the letter were also sent to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, security agencies, and affiliate unions for urgent attention and necessary action.
